Louis DeSipio 
Professor of Chicano/Latino Studies and Political Science | UC Irvine
Irvine, CA, UNITED STATES
Louis DeSipio examines how democratic nations incorporate new members, including policymaking in the areas of immigration.
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Biography
Louis DeSipio examines how democratic nations incorporate new members, including policymaking in the areas of immigration and voting rights. He also studies Latino political behavior.
Areas of Expertise (5)
U.S. Electoral Politics
Immigration
Ethnic Politics
Latino Politics
Latino Studies
Education (3)
University of Texas at Austin: PhD 1993
University of Texas at Austin: MA, Latin American Studies 1984
Columbia University: BA, History 1981
Affiliations (1)
- American Political Science Association
Links (5)
Media Appearances (8)
How might district-based elections change voting in Irvine?
The Orange County Register online
2023-02-07
“Irvine has long been unique in Orange County,” said Louis DeSipio, a UC Irvine professor of political science and Chicano/Latino studies. “It’s a little bit more progressive than some of its surrounding communities.” And voters in Irvine, DeSipio said, have demonstrated they are willing to vote for a candidate – regardless of their race – “when they think that person will represent their interests.” Without a racial polarization in voting, DeSipio said he doesn’t think shifting to by-district elections will not increase or decrease minority representation.
Orange County was the heart of California conservatism. Now it’s up for grabs.
POLITICO online
2022-07-12
“For the foreseeable future, it will be competitive and a place either party can win if they invest their resources and identify the right candidates,” said Louis DeSipio, a professor in political science and Chicano/Latino studies at UC Irvine.
20 Western Hemisphere nations sign Los Angeles Declaration on migrants despite key absences
Los Angeles Times online
2022-06-10
Louis DeSipio, a political science [and Chicano/Latino studies] professor at UC Irvine with expertise in immigration, said the declaration’s labeling of migration as a regional challenge and responsibility is important both symbolically and substantively. … “President Biden’s support here is primarily financial, but several Latin American leaders are making substantive contributions by creating new migration opportunities,” DeSipio said. “Over time, if these early efforts are successful … this could create the foundation for more routine labor migration within the Americas, or at least South America.”
Orange County election results: Spitzer reelected as DA, Supervisor seat headed for runoff
KTTV online
2022-06-09
UC Irvine political science professor Louis DeSipio said it appears the electorate was "pro incumbency in some cases — Spitzer a little more than Porter."
Orange County Democrats celebrate recall victory as Republicans look to the future
Spectrum News 1 online
2021-09-16
“The Republicans had an opportunity because of the pandemic and because of some of the personal failings of Gavin Newsom, and they failed to capitalize,” said Louis DeSipio, a political science professor at the University of California, Irvine. “And I think they face a harder road in 2022 than they otherwise would.”
‘Do not come’: Kamala Harris’ three words to Guatemalans stir debate and backlash
Los Angeles Times online
2021-06-09
The rise of child migrants stretched the ability to safely detain and shelter them, especially since the Trump administration had dismantled much of that infrastructure. This led to reports of overcrowding and squalid conditions. That situation has left a “big blemish” on an otherwise successful first few months in office for the Biden administration, said Louis DeSipio, a political science professor at UC Irvine.
Federal government considers two more California sites to house unaccompanied migrant children
Los Angeles Times online
2021-04-05
Most military bases are too remote to be holding migrant children, said Louis DeSipio, a political science professor at UC Irvine. Convention centers are a better fit, he said. “They also need to ensure that the child migrants are safe and not further traumatized,” he said. “The image of the military might be hard for many of the Central American migrants.”
